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PROTEST RALLY SCHEDULED

Citizens Against Private Armies (CAPA) is organizing a protest/rally to "Stop Procinctu," a Blackwater-like training center on a 200-acre site in Homeland, CA, which was approved without environmental review and with illegal waivers. The event will occur on March 17, 2009 at 8:30am in front of the Riverside County Administration Building at 4080 Lemon Street, in Riverside. Guest speaker: Ray Lutz, who helped oust Blackwater from Potrero in San Diego County. Attendees are invited to address county supervisors and express their outrage that this was approved without appropriate review. Info: Ann Weston, 951-764-8512 or ann3weston@aol.com. Visit http://www.CitizensAgainstPrivateArmies.org.

Background

John Choate, of Spring Valley has proposed a security training center in "Homeland" much like the Blackwater Potrero in Potrero. This is a 193-acre project with terrain "much like that of Afghanistan." Includes two dormitories, six indoor firing ranges (some simulated), three indoor rifle ranges, 10 uninhabited training structures and mock streets to simulate a town, a tactical training driving test track and a skid pad. The area is zoned "residential agricultural." Nearby properties are populated with families and livestock.

"Procinctu" is a Latin word that translates to "prepared or ready for battle."

Says it is "Exempt from Ordinance 847 (Noise Ordinance) because it is a public institution"

In the event that live fire will be occurring outdoors three types of notification are to occur

live %u2018spotters%u2019: staff members stationed at the northwest and southwest corner of the site informing passerby%u2019s that live fire is being used

signs will posted during these events as means of notifying neighbors

a %u201CBravo Flag%u201D: red flag will be raised in the air at the southwest corner of the project site to inform neighbors that live fire is occurring

Procinctu president John Choate has claimed his firm had no ties to Blackwater, but it has been reported that company resumes filed with the county state, "Instructor and Course Developer, Blackwater USA."

Site

The site:

South boundary at the line of trees just north of Norden Dr.

West boundary at Briggs Rd.

North boundary at the corner of Gunther Rd.

East boundary along the hill tops.

Note: Water tank at the end of Mountain Ave is within the property but owned by the water district.